Stockholm, 1-2 June 2006: ESPO Conference

A European Policy for Seaports - Suggestions on the way forward

Green Award attended the ESPO 2006 Conference. The conference marked the start of the European Commission’s consultation process on the future European policy framework for seaports, following the withdrawal of the port services’ Directive in March 2006.

ESPO’s mission is to influence public policy in the EU to achieve a safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable European port sector, operating as a key element of a transport industry where free and undistorted market conditions prevail, as far as practicable.

Mr. Jacques Barrot

The conference brought together high-level European policy-makers, including Transport Commissioner Barrot, MEP Georg Jarzembowski and the Swedish Transport Minister Ulrika Messing, as well as senior representatives of the port and maritime sector and the academic world. More than 270 participants attended the conference which was organised in co-operation with the Ports of Sweden Association and the Port of Stockholm. For Green Award, represented by Ms Karin Struijk, it was a good opportunity to meet representatives from ports that participate in the Green Award scheme and to meet other interested parties.